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Paul Zeise's sports chat: 09.02.21
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Zeise
12:04
Here we go - let’s get it started! Pitt, PSU and WVU get going this weekend! Football is here
Sunner in Orlando
12:04
Hi Paul thanks for the chats! I'm really worried about the left tackle spot and the uncertainty on who will be playing there. Any insights on who should start there and who will start there? Thanks!
Zeise
12:05
They have no real choice - unless they go sign someone new, which doesn’t seem realistic or practical - it will have to be Dan Moore Jr. There is no other way around it. I’m not saying he isn’t capable but that’s a lot to put on a rookie
Harry
12:06
You answered my mailbag question yesterday about what happened to Nebraska football. Thanks. I'm wondering if you could expand on this a bit more. They're a huge state school located a good distance from an NFL team with a very large fan base and a tradition of football success. They were once at the same level as Big Ten teams like Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State but haven't had nearly the success as those schools have. Are those schools doing things that Nebraska isn't?
Zeise
12:08
They had a brand a style of play they could recruit successfully too. And going to the Big Ten was the best thing for the university but has been a bad move for the football program. They have limited their recruiting base, made it tough to get kids out of Texas and the West and there are very few prospects in Nebraska. These ADs who don’t understand their product are the problem
Sunner in Orlando
12:08
Have you heard about any sticking points to the delay of TJ's new contract? I know the Steelers don't love giving a huge signing bonus to their players. Is this the major hurdle or is it something else?
Zeise
12:11
It sounds like the guarantee money is the sticking point, not the size of the contract. I wouldn’t be worried about it yet but if we get to next week at this point without it being done then it is a problem
21-58-66
12:11
Paul - The right side of the Bill's defensive line has a lot of experience.....between 8 and 11 years.  Do you see this being a problem if we start the rookie at left tackle or do you think he will hold his own?  Thanks.
Zeise
12:13
I see the Steelers offensive line in a really state of transition and that is a problem until they prove it isn’t. And it isn’t just left tackle, do you feel good about Chuks Okorafor on the right? How about Kendrick Green? Yeah this could be a disaster or it might work out, that’s why they play the games
Benson DuBois
12:13
The Steelers took James Washington with pick #60 in '18.  Brian O'Neill went to Minnesota 2 picks later.  Should the Steelers have taken O'Neill?
Zeise
12:14
With the benefit of hindsight, yes. Actually it wasn’t hindsight - everyone knew they needed to rebuild their line so drafting a linemen there would have made sense
Darnell
12:14
Hey Paul…I must say I’m somewhat confused by the release/waiver moves.  I was hoping Roche would be able to stay with the Steelers.  Your thoughts on the moves?   Thanks.
Zeise
12:15
It seemed like they were making sure they kept some open roster spots for waiver wire free agents they could sign. I just don’t think there is much available so they could be a little short handed in some spots
Matt from LA
12:16
Now that Polanco is finally gone, now the Bucs can finally make that push to the playoffs, right?
Zeise
12:16
Yes, in 2024......
Baba Ghanoosh
12:17
Hey, Paul.  I liked Eckstein on the 2004 Angels World Series team.  Great slap hitter, but too small for power.  What went wrong with the Bucco's?
Zeise
12:21
Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t that his brother that played for those teams? As for what happened - he didn’t have good players. It is that simple - I don’t care how much of a guru you are you can’t make chicken salad out of .....
Sunner in Orlando
12:21
This Pirate season was one of the most frustrating seasons I can remember. As much as I love the fight and hard work of this team, it has to be the worst team talent wise in MLB. I am going to be patient with this current front office as I like what they done to replenish their minor league system, but when will it be realistic for them to contend and when would Nutting justify filling some holes with opening is checkbook for free agents that will contribute? If I were them I would follow the Rays model to the T as they are competitive EVERY year with a low payroll.?
Zeise
12:23
Well they are trying to follow the Rays model but that requires you to be really good at drafting and developing. And are they worse than the Orioles talent wise?
Sunner in Orlando
12:26
Have you heard about the number of unvaccinated Steelers? Was that a factor in some of the cuts to some of the bubble players?
Zeise
12:26
No idea and frankly don’t know why it matters
Southside Jimmy
12:26
Hi Paul, I haven’t heard what McFarland’s injury is.  Have you heard anything?  Thanks.
Zeise
12:27
Nobody has, it has not been reported. I guess since he is on IR he is out for the first few games and then we will see what’s next
Mercury
12:27
Has your assessment of the Steelers chances gone up or down since the beginning of training camp?
Zeise
12:29
I was a little nervous about the offensive line before the preseason. Now, given how it all has gone down I would say it is a real trouble spot. I still think they are a playoff team but I’m a little less confident about it
Artie
12:29
What are your views on Pitt’s running game?
Zeise
12:30
The same as the Steelers - there are good running backs on the roster, now can anyone block for them? I think Pitt’s offensive line will be improved over last year
Matt from LA
12:30
Considering the lack of player evaluation, drafting and development during the Huntington regime, why should we buy into the overly optimistic reports that the Cerington regime will be any better?
Zeise
12:30
Because they are two different people and Cherrington has a good track record to look at.
Mercury
12:30
How would you like to be saddled with the title Chris Bickell '97 Head Football Coach? And will you be matching Bickell’s gift?
Zeise
12:32
Yeah I’m not a fan of that but colleges need to try and monetize everything on campus if they can, so I get it. And I will match that $20 million when my net worth gets to $100 million. I’ll be there soon, I’m sure.....
Donna
12:32
While combing the waiver wire, have you seen anyone the Steelers may have interest in?  Thanks Paul.
Zeise
12:33
I did this yesterday and to be honest, I don’t see anyone who I think makes them better
Uncle Larry
12:33
The Pirates have been pretty exciting to watch lately.  That is all.
Zeise
12:34
I would agree with that. Some comebacks, some offensive outbursts - it has been good. But why are they winning? If you are gonna tank, tank!!!
Bernard
12:35
Can this team compete for the playoffs with this OL?  And is Green the starter at C?  If so, will he hold up?
Zeise
12:36
That’s the million dollar question everyone has - is this line good enough? We will find out soon enough!
Yuri
12:37
Good afternoon Paul.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Cantlay-DeChambeau playoff last week.  Do you think Bryson was feeling the pressure when he asked Cantlay to stop walking and the subsequent ire with the “fan”?  Thank you Paul.
Zeise
12:37
Yes. Bryson choked. He blew the tournament and he knew it. And he  was starting to feel the heat and couldn’t take it
TP Hunter
12:37
Hi Paul. Big $20 million gift for Pitt football. What sort of difference can that make?
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